Bengals 53-man Roster Projection: How OTAs and mandatory minicamp can foreshadow what final cuts will look like
The Cincinnati Bengals wrapped up their offseason workout program this week. Here’s how the last month of work has shaped the roster.
The Cincinnati Bengals are entering the last stage of the offseason. Unfortunately for fans, it’s also the most uneventful time of the year. Players are off until they report for training camp in late July, effectively ending the offseason and starting the true ramp up to the regular season.
Cincinnati has 90 players on its roster exiting the offseason program. Let’s put together a 53-man roster projection as summer break begins.
Disclaimer: *indicates a 2026 draft pick, **indicates a 2026 college free agent signing
Bengals 53-man roster projection following the offseason workout program
Quarterback (2)
In: Joe Burrow, Joe Flacco
Out: Josh Johnson, Sean Clifford
Re-signing Flacco wasn’t cheap, and he’s locked in as Burrow’s backup. Johnson is going to play plenty in the preseason, as will Clifford.
Running back (3)
In: Chase Brown, Samaje Perine, Tahj Brooks
Out: Gary Brightwell, Kendall Milton, Kentrell Bullock**, Jamal Haynes**
Four always feels like the number that should be kept, but three is a good stopping point on this roster. Can either UDFA break through? Milton at least logged a couple carries last year off the practice squad.
Wide receiver (6)
In: Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Andrei Iosivas, Mitchell Tinsley, Charlie Jones, Colbie Young*
Out: Ke’Shawn Williams, Kendric Pryor, Jordan Moore, Xavier Johnson, Dohnte Meyers, Noah Thomas**
Iosivas and Jones shined during OTAs and minicamp as the Bengals’ offense looks to be as advertised with all 11 starters back. There’s likely still only room for Tinsley and Young alongside them. Williams and Meyers are the wild cards to remember for their special teams abilities.
Tight end (4)
In: Drew Sample, Mike Gesicki, Erick All Jr., Tanner Hudson
Out: Jack Endries*, Cam Grandy, Josh Kattus**
Endries made our post-draft projection in which all 2026 draft picks made the cut. If the room is just four-deep, Hudson is the safer bet to make it. All may end up becoming a starter like he was as a rookie.
Offensive line (9)
In: Orlando Brown Jr., Dylan Fairchild, Ted Karras, Dalton Risner, Amarius Mims, Cody Ford, Jalen Rivers, Brian Parker II*, Connor Lew*
Out: Andrew Coker, Javon Foster, Jacob Bayer, Christian Jones**, Corey Robinson II**
Shouldn’t be much drama with this group barring injuries. Ford may be pushed by Coker, Foster, or a UDFA but they still trust him as the swing tackle. Parker is the backup center until Lew, who’s still recovering from a torn ACL, is fully cleared to practice.
Defensive line (11)
In: Dexter Lawrence, Jonathan Allen, B.J. Hill, Boye Mafe, Myles Murphy, T.J. Slaton Jr., Shemar Stewart, Cashius Howell*, Kris Jenkins Jr., Cedric Johnson, Landon Robinson*
Out: McKinnley Jackson, Isaiah Foskey, Jordan Jefferson, Howard Cross III, Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr.
Keeping Slaton looks to the plan following Burrow’s contract restructure. With a group this loaded, the opportunity to go 11 is too tempting to pass up and I don’t think I’ll pivot off that until the actual roster is announced.
Linebacker (5)
In: Barrett Carter, Demetrius Knight Jr., Oren Burks, Shaka Heyward, Joe Giles-Harris
Out: Liam Anderson, Swayze Bozeman, Eric Gentry**, Jack Dingle**
The veteran addition was Bozeman, who was claimed off waivers last month. He could push Heyward or Giles-Harris for a spot as a special teams contributor. Expectations for adding a challenger to Carter or Knight are rather low.
Cornerback (6)
In: DJ Turner II, Dax Hill, Jalen Davis, Tacario Davis*, Josh Newton, Bralyn Lux
Out: DJ Ivey, Ja’Sir Taylor, Jalen Kimber, Ceyair Wright**
This is the toughest position to project. Newton and Lux recently took reps with the starters during the lone minicamp session. The latter is trying to win the starting nickelback job over Jalen Davis and Taylor. He might have to settle for the backup gig. Newton vs. Ivey may be a camp battle we should be talking about more.
Safety (4)
In: Bryan Cook, Jordan Battle, Kyle Dugger, PJ Jules
Out: Daijahn Anthony, Russ Yeast, Isaiah Nwokobia**
Jules remains the favorite to keep the fourth spot thanks to his special teams experience last year. Nwokobia is a dark horse with plenty of ball skills from his collegiate days.
Specialist (3)
In: Evan McPherson, Ryan Rehkow, William Wagner
No notes.